PEDIGREED FIBER FLAX. 



17 



Plmfit-hreeder's calipers. — For measuring diameters of small plant 

 stems the plant-breeder's calipers (Fig. 7) have been found a 

 source of convenience with flax. The stem to be measured is inserted 

 in the notch N. The scale magnifies the stem diameter 20 times, be- 

 cause it is 20 times as 

 far as the stem notch 

 from the place where 

 the pointer is pivoted. 



Plant-hreeder'' s 

 en-velo'pe. — ^These en- 

 velopes (Fig. 8) are 

 made on a sewing ma- 

 chine by stitching to- 

 gether two sheets of 

 oiled paper. An un- 

 stitched portion is 

 left at the base. This 

 is slit up the middle, 

 and at the apex of 

 the slit a hole is cut 

 to fit the stem of the 

 emasculated flower. 

 After the stem has 

 been inserted in the 

 envelope the un- 

 stitched part at one 

 side of the slit is 

 folded at right angles 

 and that on the other 

 side at an angle of 

 45° to the base of the 

 envelope. At the 

 point where these 

 folded parts overlap 

 they are fastened 

 with an ordinary 

 dress snap fastener. 

 These envelopes can not come unglued, and they have the additional 

 advantages of being light in weight and moisture proof. 



COMMERCIAL TEST OF PEDIGREED FIBER-FLAX STRAINS. 



Whether the improvement be secured through cross-pollination 

 or by straight selection, it is necessary that the results obtained in 

 the experimental plats be tested on a commercial scale in order to be 



Fig. 7. — Plant-breeder's calipers. 



